The Purpose

 Why winter field day

 Greetings, Winter Field Day is back for 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited! Every year, hams from across the country brave the cold, string up antennas in the snow, and put their skills to the test— and we invite you to join in the adventure. At its heart, Winter Field Day is all about sharpening your emergency communication abilities, but it’s also about fun. Winter throws curveballs that summer never does—short days, freezing temperatures, icy winds, and sudden weather surprises. It’s the perfect chance to challenge yourself, push your station to new limits, and prove that you can stay on the air no matter what Mother Nature sends your way. This isn’t a contest—it’s an experience. We call it an Operating Event. Whether you’re operating from the warmth of a cabin, a heated tent, or bundled up outside in the snow, you’ll gain practical skills while making lasting memories. You’ll also meet other operators, make plenty of QSOs, and maybe even discover new ways to enjoy the hobby. Of course, safety always comes first. We encourage everyone to plan ahead, keep an eye on the weather, and know when to pack it up if conditions become unsafe. That said, the challenges of Winter Field Day are exactly what make it so rewarding—because if you can set up and operate in January, you’ll be more than ready for any real emergency. Please carefully review the event guidelines in this packet, and feel free to reach out via our website if you have any questions. As we embark on another year of the Winter Field Day exercise, we encourage you to use this event to hone your skills as an Winter Field Day is back for 2026, and we are excited to invite you to join this operating event! Every year, amateur radio operators ("hams") test their skills by setting up and operating stations in challenging winter conditions, including freezing temperatures, icy winds, and short days. At its core, Winter Field Day is about sharpening your emergency communication abilities, but it also offers a unique chance to challenge yourself and prove your station can stay on the air regardless of the weather. By mastering setup and operation in January, you will be well-prepared for any real-life emergency. 

This is an experience we call an Operating Event, not a contest, focused on gaining practical skills and making lasting memories, whether you operate from a cabin, a heated tent, or outdoors. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet other operators and make many contacts (QSOs). We prioritize safety, encouraging everyone to plan ahead, monitor the weather, and know when to secure the station if conditions become unsafe. Please review the event guidelines in the packet and reach out with any questions via our website. On behalf of the Winter Field Day Association, we wish you the best of luck in honing your amateur radio skills in 2026—stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the spirit of the event! Sincerely, WFDA.

amateur radio operator. We wish you the best of luck and eagerly anticipate hearing you on the air during this exciting event. On behalf of the Winter Field Day Association, we thank you for joining us in 2026—stay warm, stay safe, and above all, enjoy the spirit of Winter Field Day! Sincerely, WFDA